Cambridge Police Commission Inaugural Class of Police Chaplains

11/5/2013

Faith-based organizations are an integral part of our communal lives. The Cambridge Police Department recognizes the importance, influence, and impact that faith-based leaders have on our community’s spiritual health. The Cambridge Police Chaplaincy Program is designed to formalize a collaborative relationship between the religious community within our city and the department.

While many police departments utilize chaplains internally, the Cambridge Police Chaplaincy Program is the first of its kind in the Commonwealth where chaplains will work with the department and be called out to crime scenes and significant events to offer services to officers, victims, and members of the community.

With this in mind, the Cambridge Police Department commissioned its first class of police chaplains at a ceremony on Friday, November 1st in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall.

Joined by Mayor Henrietta Davis, City Manager Richard C. Rossi, Commissioner Robert C. Haas, and over one hundred friends, family, city staff, and members of their congregations, Bishop Brian Greene, Reverend Larry Kim, Reverend Lorraine Thornhill, Father Matthew Westcott, and Reverend Melvin Wilson recited an oath to City Clerk Donna P. Lopez and began their service as police chaplains.

“This is so needed in Cambridge,” said Mayor Henrietta Davis. “It is important to include people of faith in our efforts and I am certain you are all up to the challenge of serving our diverse community.”

City Manager Rossi congratulated the new chaplains, saying, “It is wonderful that we are increasing our army of healers. Our goal, always, is to bring the community together and we are proud and lucky to have you aiding us in that endeavor.”

“We appreciate the support of your congregations in this new program,” said Commissioner Robert C. Haas. “Every day police, like the clergy, are called upon to serve, and we thank you for willingly taking on this awesome responsibility.”

“There is unity among those of us who serve the public,” said Lead Chaplain Reverend Melvin Wilson of St. Paul A.M.E. Church. “Our group reflects the diversity of Cambridge because everybody needs somebody to be there in their time of need.”